The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

and what is a little wealth, that thieves can steal, a despicable heap of riches, which like a flock of birds a lighting a little while in thy yard, will take wing presently and fly away, to be named, with the unsearchable riches of Christ, or that inheritance of the Saints in light? or what is the painted bubble the fading, though beauteous Rainbow, of earthly honour and grandeur, to a weight of glory, to an incorruptible crown of righteousness, that fadeth not away, to a Kingdom, which it is the Fathers good pleasure to reserve in the highest heavens for every sheep, and every lamb of his little flock, and (to name these Considerations by cluster) remember, that the greatest wisdom is to do, not what in some poor few regards is, but what is absolutely lovely and desirable; that what is best of all, is best for thee to love, and mind and prosecute;¹ that a good conscience is a continual feast, that God alone is enough, and without him, nothing for thy happiness: that thy soul is worthier thy care, then thy carcass, and the life to come, then this, that eternity is more valuable then time; that not the opinions of men lulled asleep in voluptuousness and sensuality, but Gods estimate, but the sentiments of the holiest, best and wisest men, or (if you needs will) of the worst and vilest, when conscience is awakened, when they come to lie a dying, and when they shall stand before God at the last day, are to be preferred as the wisest. That everlasting happiness cannot be bought too dear, but repentance and shame, may easily. That the hardest doings or sufferings for Christ, are infinitely easier then everlasting misery. That heaven, and glory, will more then recompense all thy self-denials, and mortifications, all thy watchings, fastings, &c. and in the mean time, the very hope of it, besides the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, and his love and grace, and the comforts of his Spirit, will certainly sweeten all the tediousness of thy way to heaven, with inexpressible redundance of satisfaction, yea sometimes with joy unutterable and full of glory. In sum, that God is a good Master, and his service perfect freedom, for besides the glorious recompense to come; thy work, Christian, is even now it's own reward.

and what is a little wealth, that thieves can steal, a despicable heap of riches, which like a flock of birds a lighting a little while in thy yard, will take wing presently and fly away, to be named, with the unsearchable riches of Christ, or that inheritance of the Saints in light? or what is the painted bubble the fading, though beauteous Rainbow, of earthly hunour and grandeur, to a weight of glory, to an incorruptible crown of righteousness, that fadeth not away, to a Kingdom, which it is the Fathers good pleasure to reserve in the highest heavens for every sheep, and every lamb of his little flock, and (to name these Considerations by cluster) remember, that the greatest wisdom is to do, not what in some poor few regards is, but what is absolutely lovely and desireable; that what is best of all, is best for thee to love, and mind and prosecute;